Organizations and Coalitions of Which the Medical Society is a Member—2007

Below is a summary of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's involvement and accomplishments as members of various national and statewide organizations and coalitions (listed alphabetically).

A D H L M N P

A

Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy

Purpose:





To provide a professional home, technical assistance and resources for researchers and policy professionals. Committed to the vision of improving health and health care by generating new knowledge and moving knowledge into action.
Society/staff
involvement:
Individual members
(Dennis Olmstead)
Accomplishment:


Has 3,200 research members and 100 affiliated organizations in US and abroad. Produces Health Affairs, HSR Journal and the Milbank Quarterly.
$ contributions: $175 per year
Other members:
National health services researchers and health policymakers


American Society of Medical Association Counsel

Purpose:

To coordinate legal activities among states and between states and AMA General Counsel’s Office.

Society/staff
involvement:
Participating member
(Elizabeth Metz)
Accomplishments: Sharing and networking.
$ contributions: $2200 per year for each Society counsel

Other members:

Most state and specialty counsels

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D

Department of Health Arthritis Task Force


Purpose:

To develop a plan for prevention and treatment of arthritis.

Society/staff
involvement:
Member
(Barbara Layne)
Accomplishments: Continues to develop plan.
$ contributions: None
Other members:

Arthritis Foundation
Specialty societies for orthopedics and rheumatology            




Department of Health Hospital Regulations Work Group


Purpose:


To revise and update DOH's rules and regulations regarding licensed health care facilities. DOH announced intent to continue process.

Society/staff
involvement:
Member
(Don McCoy/Catherine Wilson)
Accomplishments:
Working on promulgation of changes to chapters of the hospital regulations.
$ contributions:
Staff and physician participation in review of regulations.
Other members:


Health Law Project
The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Individual hospitals



Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance Advisory Committee


Purpose:
To advise DPW on operation of Medical Assistance program.
Society/staff
involvement:
Member and chairperson
(Don McCoy)
Accomplishments:

Review of draft Medical Assistance regulations; react to proposed Medical Assistance changes.
$ contributions: None
Other members:





Consumer organizations
The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Managed Care Association
Medical Assistance Managed Care
Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians



Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance Advisory Committee—Managed Care Subcommittee


Purpose:
 

To advise MAAC and DPW on issues affecting managed care in Pennsylvania.

Society/staff
involvement:
Member
(Don McCoy)
Accomplishments:


Has 3,200 research members and 100 affiliated organizations in US and abroad. Produces Health Affairs, HSR Journal and the Milbank Quarterly.
$ contributions: None
Other members:


Managed Care Association
Managed care plans
Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians



Drug Free Pennsylvania

Purpose:

To provide assistance to Pennsylvania businesses on creating a drug-free workplace.

Society/staff
involvement:
Medical Society has been a sponsor and has a member on the board.
(Diane Seibert)
Accomplishments: Has provided a number of programs for various employers.
$ contributions: $195 in 2000
Other members:



Attorney General of Pennsylvania
Governor's Office
Physician General
Numerous corporations and businesses

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H

Health Care Cost Containment Council (HC4)



Purpose:

To collect and analyze health care cost and quality data.

Society/staff
involvement:
Staff liaison
(Don McCoy)
Accomplishments:
HC4 has produced numerous public reports on health costs.
$ contributions: None
Other members:




AFL-CIO
The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
IBC
PA Chamber
Other business/labor organizations




Healthcare Financial Management Association


Purpose:



To provide opportunities for health care financial professionals access to technical and management information, certification, colleague interaction and professional benefits.

Society/staff
involvement:
Member
(Bernie Lynch)
Accomplishments:



We participate in the legislative and reimbursement committee for local Appalachian Chapter. Opportunity to network with health care financial/reimbursement professionals.
$ contributions: $180 per year
Other members:
National organization for health care financial management professionals



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L

Lancaster County Business on Health


Purpose:


To provide education on health care related issues and promote cooperation among providers, payers and insurers.

Society/staff
involvement:
Participating member of Strategic Planning Committee
(Mary Ellen Corum)
Accomplishments:



Educational programs; created Internet site to advance employee and patient understanding of health care benefits; employer tool kit for starting a wellness program.
$ contributions: $50 per year
Other members:

Business
Health plans
Physicians


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M

Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)



Purpose:





To enhance health care delivery and administration through a broad range of group practice leadership and professional development, education, credentialing, information, communication, advocacy, networking and research activities.

Society/staff
involvement:
Allied member
(Dennis Olmstead)
Accomplishment:



Work closely with AMA on health care reform, Medicare payment reform and other third party payment issues. Provide educational forums, telephone conferences.
$ contributions: $355 per year in dues
Other members:




Consultants
Corporate members in fields related to physician group practices
Non-physician administrators of group practices large and small
Physicians



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N

National Business Coalition



Purpose:

To assist coalition movement for meaningful change in local health care markets.

Society/staff
involvement:
Affiliate member
(Mary Ellen Corum)
Accomplishments:
Voice of nearly 100 coalitions nationwide.
$ contributions: None
Other members: 8,000 employers nationwide



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P

Patient Safety Authority


Purpose:

To collect and analyze data on serious events and incidents in health care facilities.

Society/staff
involvement:
Staff liaison
(Don McCoy)
Accomplishments:

Developed a facility reporting procedure to report and analyze serious events and incidents.
$ contributions: None
Other members:

The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Legal, nursing, public representation



Patient Safety Forum


Purpose:

To share information and pursue projects to enhance patient safety in Pennsylvania.

Society/staff
involvement:
Medical Society started the coalition.
(Don McCoy)
Accomplishments: Working on an MRSA infection reduction program.
$ contributions: Approximately $3,000 per year for operation
Other members:
HC4
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority


PA Association of Governmental Relations



Purpose:

To promote ethical lobbying and keep members informed of current issues.

Society/staff
involvement:
One of the original members (1992)
(Larry Light, past president/3 members)
Accomplishments: Opposed “one-sided” lobbying campaign reform.
$ contributions: $95 per year for each of four lobbyists
Other members:





Lobbyists from:

 Associations and corporations
 The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
 Law firms
 PA Chamber
 Utilities contract lobbyist



PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation—Provider Insurer Advisory Committee



Purpose:

To provide advice to Bureau on operation of Workers' Compensation program.

Society/staff
involvement:
Member
(Don McCoy/Catherine Wilson)
Accomplishments:



Developed medical report form. Revised WC fee schedule. Worked on WC policy changes regarding health care service delivery and reimbursement.
$ contributions: None
Other members:






 The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
 Insurance Federation
 Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
 Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association
 WC insurers



PA Economy League



Purpose:

To promote economic development, municipal cooperation and good government.

Society/staff
involvement:
Member, along with PMSCO
(Roger Mecum)
Accomplishments:

Studies on government spending and business development across Pennsylvania
$ contributions: $500 per year
Other members:
 Highmark, other insurers
 Most large employers in PA


PA Emergency Health Services Council


Purpose:




To develop statewide standards for emergency medical services. With the passage of Act 45 of 1985, the Council became the official advisory body to the Secretary of Health on EMS matters.

Society/staff
involvement:

Society is one of the founders. Has a position on the Board of Directors. Also has positions on several committees. (Don McCoy)
Accomplishments:




Established a system of voluntary standards for upgrading emergency medical services in Pennsylvania. Created training and testing standards for emergency medical services personnel.
$ contributions:




The organization is funded through a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Health so no dues are charged. The Society has traditionally contributed $1,000 per year to this organization.
Other members:



 The Hospital & Health System Association of Pennsylvania
 PaACEP
 PAFP
 PA Trauma Systems Foundation


PA Trauma Systems Foundation



Purpose:

To establish standards for trauma centers in Pennsylvania and accredit those that meet those standards.

Society/staff
involvement:
Board member
(Don McCoy)
Accomplishments:
System of trauma centers is in place in Pennsylvania.
$ contributions: None
Other members:

 The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
 PA Department of Health



Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco


Purpose:

To increase taxes on tobacco and reduce its use.                         

Society/staff
involvement:
Medical Society is a member
(Barbara Layne)
Accomplishments:
Increased awareness of anti-tobacco legislation.
$ contributions: None
Other members:


American Cancer Society                                                  
American Heart Association
American Lung Association


Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry



Purpose:  
                                  

To promote the varied interests of the business community (small and large businesses).

Society/staff
involvement:



Founding member of the PA Civil Justice Coalition (CJC). Staff also invited to participate in a variety of issues such as Workers’ Compensation, managed care and employer education.
(Roger Mecum)
$ contributions: $1,396 per year
Other members:    
 Businesses—large and small—statewide.


Pennsylvania eHealth Initiative

Purpose:

To support development of statewide network for exchange of PHI.

Society/staff
involvement:
Society is founding partner.
(Darlene Kauffman/Roger Mecum)
Accomplishments: In organizational development stage.
$ contributions: $310 per year
Other members:


Founding partners:

Pennsylvania Medical Society
Quality Insights of Pennsylvania

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Last Updated: 8/7/2008
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